Annual Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival at Rhinebeck Fairgrounds is Back!

Annual Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival at Rhinebeck Fairgrounds is Back!

This year’s Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival is back and promises more of everything—more eye-catching “shape balloons,” more vendors, and more attendees.

The festival, presented by the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce (DCRCOC), is in its 28th year of hosting balloonists from all over the country, and will once again take place at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, on July 12, 13, and 14. The Fairgrounds treats spectators to a 360-degree view of the balloons, gives guests free and easy parking, allows balloonists room to launch and offer tethered balloon rides, and let pilots interact with the public.

Based on last year’s positive experience, which drew nearly 35,000 to the event, DCRCOC President & CEO Frank Castella, Jr. says, “I am confident that this one will be even bigger and better!” The festival has evolved into a Hudson Valley tradition, drawing visitors from all over the world. This year’s festival is sponsored by Q92 and Bottini Fuel, in addition to many other regional businesses and organization. A full list of sponsors, event schedule, vendors, and the opportunity to purchase balloon rides and tickets, is available atwww.balloonfesthv.com.

Crowds at this year’s event will be wowed with even more of the uniquely shaped balloons that were featured in the past, as well as some new attractions, including a 22-foot high “firetruck slide,” and antique airplane displays and weather-permitting flyovers, courtesy of Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. Festival favorite, the majestic Moon Glow, where balloons light up the night sky from the ground, will return for Friday and Saturday night, accompanied by the Aerophone Community Band. There will be several other live bands throughout the weekend.

The DCRCOC is planning over 100 balloon launches during the event, with mass launches scheduled for 6 pm in the evenings Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and the popular sunrise launches at 6 am, which are free and open to the public, on Saturday and Sunday. In addition, there will be tethered balloon rides, full-flight balloon rides, and helicopter rides available throughout the festival. Advanced online registration is recommended, as these rides book up quickly. All rides are weather- and wind-permitting, with other activities available at all times. These include a craft beverage tap tent, live bands, vendors, food trucks, hayrides, adult and toddler obstacle courses, and more.

Advance discounted tickets are now available. Updates, including weather information, will be posted on the website at balloonfesthv.com, as well as on The 28th Annual Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival Facebook and Instagram pages during the event. Spectators should allow extra time for traffic to ensure seeing the balloons inflate and launch. Please share your photos using hashtag #hvballoonfest. Visit balloonfesthv.com for complete event information, tickets, FAQs, directions, sponsors, vendors, and more.

 

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Submitted by Yorktown, NY

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